Hollingworth Lake Rowing Club (HLRC), nestled on the scenic Hollingworth Lake near Littleborough, welcomes all rowing enthusiasts. Founded in 1872, this club offers a mix of history and modern facilities, with its current clubhouse built in 1973.
Under the guidance of experienced coaches, HLRC caters to everyone, from complete beginners to those aiming for competitive greatness, holding affiliations with British Rowing and Clubmark accreditation.
HLRC provides an array of boats – eights, fours, doubles, and singles – for members of all ages and sizes, with the option for personal boat storage too. Regular water-based training happens on Saturday and Sunday mornings all year round, with extra sessions on Tuesday and Thursday evenings during the warmer months. Winter sees a shift to land-based training during the week.
HLRC, under its commitment to nurturing young talent, has seen its Junior members achieve remarkable success. Over four decades, many have clinched National Championships, with some even excelling on the world stage and representing the country in the Olympics.
Even if competition isn't your thing, HLRC offers a warm welcome to recreational rowers. Social events are a hit, providing a great opportunity to unwind in the club’s lounge and function room, which boasts stunning views of the lake and the Pennines. The function room is also available for hire.
For those new to rowing, Hollingworth Lake Rowing Club offers Learn to Row sessions. These include technique training on Concept 2 Rowing machines and practical sessions on the lake with stable boats. Safety is a priority, and participants must be able to swim 100 metres in light clothing.
The coaching team, with qualifications from British Rowing, brings a wealth of competitive experience. Post-course, participants can join as full rowing members, with the Learn to Row course open to juniors (12-17), seniors (18-27), and masters (28+). Information is available via the club’s website.
The course costs £120 for adults over 18 in full-time employment, while juniors and full-time students benefit from a reduced fee of £60.
HLRC also hosts significant rowing events, including the North of England Sprint Rowing Championships, drawing 34 clubs and over 500 participants.
Claire and her team at HLRC take pride in their inclusive community, offering all the support needed to help members, whether they're aiming for the podium or simply enjoying the sport.